As they reached their destination Sextus called out to Hermes who was still clinging to his body like a leech underneath the cloak covering the two of them. The young man may have been frightened but not too frightened as his busy hands had found a resting place other than around his master's waist. Sextus knew from experience there wouldn't have been any way to stop the determined Hermes and so he took the adventurous ten digits in stride and only hoped that Idris didn't suspect any such goings on beneath the cloak because he knew his friend would razz him endlessly about it.
The place looked decent enough and now that the storm had subsided considerably from it's previous fury one could at least see his hand in front of his face. After freeing himself from the clutches of his slave, Sextus dismounted and went inside while Idris remained with the horses. At first, thinking that the new arrival was just another everyday traveller in search of a dry spot for the night, the landlord was ready to offer him a spot on the already overcrowded main room. However as soon as Sextus spoke to him the man knew that he had landed a much bigger fish than the type he usually caught. When Sextus removed his outer cloak, even though the clothes beneath were soaked, the landlord knew fine material when he saw it and he immediately turned his attitude from indifference to that of a doormat, bowing and scraping for this man who probably had a bundle of cash to spend. As it turned out there was a private suite upstairs, one usually reserved for traveling dignitaries, that was indeed vacant this night. It had one large bedroom and a small changing room. Sextus told the man he was travelling with a friend and their slave. They would also need towels, many towels, to dry off and when they were ready Sextus would send his slave down to order food for the three of them.
"And a stable and feed for our three horses?" The man snapped his finger and an assistant ran over to whom he instructed to take care of the three horses waiting outside. Sextus looked around, the place was clean. "I shall want to inspect our rooms first, of course." The landlord bowed. "Of course sir. I'm sure you will find it to your liking, come this way and I will show you." They went up the short flight of steps and down the hallway. The room was indeed decent, it smelled fresh and he saw no indications of any any bugs or rodents. The was was a large bed and it also appeared to be sanitary. "Does this meet your expectations sir?" Sextus nodded his agreement and offered him an amount more than he knew it was worth. The man smiled and eagerly agreed. "You are too generous sir. Whatever you need I will supply." Sextus knew it was better to make friends than enemies, a few extra coins and the landlord himself would be emptying their chamber pots! Just at that moment Idris and Hermes walked in. The landlord took one look at Idris and was confused. What was this Roman gentlemen of wealth doing travelling with this long haired barbarian in his native clothing? Very strange he thought. Sextus had caught the manner in which he had looked at Idris and loudly cleared his throat to catch the man's attention. "Is there a problem?" The man understood the intention of the question and immediately backed down. "No sir, no problem." Sextus smiled and on their way out slipped him another coin.